The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-03-19


cinal snots of interest in the immediate vi
c;p;tv Nv health i 90 shattered that
ooan',t ,Jo-toLo loa. - oxanrs;ons y
aTb;s 4 the commencement Of our tb;rt
vool- > ranl;aJ tba Mo;or .Tisa vonr
seIf wa have chosen rather 70 en;oy n,
scenery within wslt;ngd distances n nra
ference to travelling about BY rail or coach
Nv niece has been little upset lately, SC
we came here to recruit her health"
Maude flushed np Indignantly. Tt
speak of the cruel blow which had been
dealt her as if it were mere nothing
ssThe Young lady is looking so fresh and
charming that | think she must already be
on the high road to recovery" This with
a stiff old-fashioped bow to Maude. a
was about to saw trusted I might derive
as much benefit from the change, only |
fear that is too much to expect. AGE can.
not hope to compete with youth"
"With your permission suggested Ma
jor Henderson, "my niece and will ac-
cozz,,, asly yon to the Falls. They are within
quarter of an hours xTlt Fan. Fan unclean lean
| can then give you few hints about Tue IIi1s
neighborhood as we 90 along"
Mr.. Browne would only be too pleased.
Maude walked on by her uncles side
experiencing mixture Of ioy and alarm.
She was so delighted to hear that dear
voice again; so fearful lest her lovers STRAIT
egem should be discovered
Mr.. Browne noticed her agitation. and
was careful to divert Major Henderson,
attention M from his niece IN case her conf,,-
SION shonld betrav the secret The trio
had TO cross a stream by means of stepping
stones The stranger offered to assist
Maude Managing to keen his back to
Major Henderson, Mr.. Browne, alias Lieu
tenant Mapleson, tenderly pressed Maude's
yielding hand, and, with world of ex-
preston in his blue eyes, whispered, "Be
careful, my darling, and all will yet be well
with us.
The next morning Mr.. Browne called on
Major Henderson. II have Just received
these. and | thought YOU would perhaps
like to look at them" he said, producing a
packet of periodicals.
Major Henderson was glad to avail him
self Of the offer, as current literature was
rather difficult to procure in so out-of-the-
way place.
After little further conversation, Mr..
Browne was asked if he would care to join
the uncle and niece in their morning ram
Bile. Again he would be only too pleased
When the trio had gone some distance,
Major Henderson, wishing to enjoy aquiet
half-hour read, suggested that he should
sit down and rest a little, while Maude
conducted Mr.. Browne to spot close by
whence good view of Snowden could be
obtained.
aT would fa;n ike Won rest while y
renlied Mr. Browne. ssbut as the day is 50
unusually clear I feel | must make an effort
to take advantage of it. especially as this
Young lady has so kindly consented to act
as nv guide" And so Mr.. Browne hob
bled off, with Maude walking patiently be-
side him.
As soon as the trees had hidden the
lovers from view Jack drew Maude to him,
while she, half laughing and half crying,
stroked his long gray beard
"Oh, Jack, whatever made you come
like this ? What do yeu intend to do =
"This, my sweetest" and the bold lover
drew from his pocket marriage-license
and weddiug-ring: Half -piuyfuffy the
gallant Lieutenant removed Maude's glove
and slipped on the ring. that dear
little hand it looks r he cried rapturously,
s'and how happy | shall be when can call
its dear owner my sweet little wife.
"a slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Major Henderson
not hundred yards off
Malde would have been grateful to the
earth had it opened at that moment to re-
ceive her, but as it showed no signs of ac-
commodating her, she disengaged herself
from Mr. Brownies embrace and hastily
handed him back the ring.
Mr. Browne was equal to the occasion, al
though he had grave misgivings, as he
hobbled toward Major Henderson. ''Were
YOU fastening to ioin us? You see we
haven't got far. | am wretched walker
ot tho host of times and in sucb scenery as
tb;s one feels forced 10 nause freouently to
iaoi, IN on. aronnd nj -O''A y p''''>''
&c @I exnocted to meet Won coming back .
axnlo;nod The Major. .ibnt 7 was looking
for Won in that direction" ." indicating anoth-
err natb more to the right. "I was quite
surn;sed when saw YOU coming toward
me-
With what feel;nos Of relief did the
lovers listen To the Majors innocent re-
marks
A. tba;r ea+lv dinner the Major drew
f,om b;a nocLet : letter which he had re-
ce;ved bv tbe mornings most and had for
Go,,en a ~ read With polite ssExcuse me
INV daarr to his niece he hastily glanced
=. ,ba contents aI must leave for Lon
don bv the II o'clock train tomorrow
uvm .aorn;;go - bo exola;med aTbis letter is of
~ H. ,,.nSas. ..us, ;nnortance How stunid of me
70 toG have a, DELAYED reading i'll"
a4m 70 ocomnany Won uncle2" asked
Mande family